The social media site Twitter has partnered with Safe Ireland to support victims of domestic violence.
When people in Ireland search for domestic violence and associated information on the site, they will be shown a prompt which directs them to support services.
Safe Ireland says its services have experienced a surge in calls, particularly over the past few weeks, as women and children are presenting with 'the double trauma' of lockdown and months of abuse.
Safe Ireland is the national policy and services hub for 39 frontline domestic violence services throughout the country.
Users will see a prompt like this. Image: SuppliedMary McDermott is co-CEO: "Now that we are emerging fully from lockdown it is vital that survivors of domestic violence know that there are expert supports available in communities throughout the country.
"This partnership with Twitter helps to get the message directly to survivors, and those close to them, that they are not alone and that they do not have to live with abuse and control in their homes, not in lockdown, not ever.
"It is so important that we continue to bring this type of voice and visibility to the issue of domestic violence."
While Ronan Costello, senior public policy manager at Twitter, said: "We recognise that tackling this challenging issue requires collaboration among all parties involved - public, private and NGO.
"We hope that this partnership will help ensure people can access and receive support when they need it the most".
The search prompt for gender-based violence is also available for people in Denmark, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the UK, the US and Vietnam.
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Safe Ireland here
